Greta Van Fleet Reminds Grand Rapids That Rock N Roll Isn’t Dead

Live music is BACK BABY. Yes, concerts have been back in west Michigan for over a year at this point, but it's really still not felt the same going to a live show since the start of the pandemic. There are health checks, masks, and smaller crowds as a whole.

But this week, live music finally had a moment that felt pre-2020 when thousands of energized fans lined up outside for hours in the freezing cold to get a chance to spend their Saturday night inside the Deltaplex with one of the biggest bands to call Michigan home, Greta Van Fleet.

The last time the act played Grand Rapids was early in their career in 2017, where they sold out the smallest room of The Intersection. So for anyone who was present for both shows, saw a real glow up.

And in honor of said glow up, a resolution passed Thursday by the Michigan Senate officially commemorates March 10-17 as “Greta Van Fleet Week”. And they've been having a hell of a week including kicking off their tour in Kalamazoo to massive excited crowds.

When fans made their into the Deltaplex on Saturday, they were greeted with a merch table full of shirts, exclusive posters, and even a stand up to pose for photos with (Which honestly, is a great touch for any other tours out there looking for ideas)

And can I mention the fashion? It's not often you're met with a mix of current fashion trends and what felt like Woodstock cosplay, but it honestly set the mood before you even set foot on the arena floor.

And before long, the arena was packed with an energy unlike any I've seen in years. Sure, I've been to two nearly sold out shows in the same venue in the last year, but Greta fans have a special love.

The show itself? Not only is Greta Van Fleet absolutely CD quality in their sound, but the stage show is absolutely flawless. They came with the same energy as fellow Michigan natives KISS, including incredible lights and fire.

During the middle of their set, I found myself feeling overwhelmed in the best way. Everyone was singing along loudly, the lights were flashing in unison with Safari Song, and I had a moment where I forgot about the worries of pandemic, war and gas prices. Instead, we were all there just enjoying that moment in time. It finally felt like for the first time in years, big scale live music is back.

While, three of the four home state shows are over for Greta Van Fleet, you still have one more chance to catch them in Flint on Wednesday, and while tickets are sold out, if you can get your hands on one: take the drive and enjoy. This is a moment in Michigan rock 'n roll history you absolutely need to witness for yourself.